Is it illegal to buy a stab proof vest?

Is it Legal for Civilians to Purchase Body Armor?

Body armor is a safety product. It is legal in most states for law-abiding civilians to purchase body armor. You have the right to protect yourself and your family from harm. As a citizen of the United States, you have the legal right to purchase and wear body armor for personal or professional use. Currently, the exception is New York state, which has limited the rights of its citizens. We’ll discuss NY state's regulations and provide all the details below.

Body armor does not require any special paperwork or background checks. It is YOUR responsibility to determine if YOU are LEGALLY able to purchase and use body armor in your state.

Who Cannot Buy Body Armor Legally?

Convicted felons surrender their right to own body armor legally pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 931. However, felons can purchase bulletproof vests if their employer requires it and they obtain written permission to do so. It is the responsibility of the felon to refrain from buying body armor. They can face prosecution if they make an illegal purchase. Retailers are not liable for what happens to body armor after it is sold.

Different States Have Different Rules for Buying Body Armor Legally

Depending on where you live, different states have different regulations for civilians who want to buy body armor. For example, it is legal for civilians in Connecticut to buy body armor, but it must be done through a face-to-face transaction. There are exceptions to the Connecticut law for police departments and other public officials. For more information, please reach out to one of our sales representatives. In New York, you must be employed in an approved profession and make a face-to-face transaction. Learn more details about the NEW YORK BODY ARMOR RESTRICTIONS HERE.

Other Rules for Civilians to Buy Body Armor Legally

When civilians look to buy personal body armor protection, there are other rules to consider. You cannot ship or bring body armor outside the United States without Federal permission, for example. In many states, it is also illegal to wear body armor while committing a crime. Doing so will result in more severe legal charges.

Below, we’ve provided helpful information about current state laws for civilians to purchase body armor legally. This information is current to the best of our knowledge as of the publishing of this article. It can change at any time. This information should NOT be interpreted as legal advice. You should contact a licensed attorney in your state, local government, or law enforcement agency for the most current regulations in your area regarding civilians buying body armor legally.

Alabama

Alabama does not have any additional laws for civilians to purchase body armor legally. In Alabama, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest legally, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or in person.

Alaska

In Alaska, civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face by civilians legally.

Arizona

Like many states, Arizona has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. This does not affect body armor retailers.

Arkansas

In Arkansas, it is a Class A Misdemeanor to possess body armor if you have been convicted of murder, manslaughter, aggravated robbery, assault, or battery, and this law does not affect body armor retailers. In any other case, civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Contact us to discuss your requirements for a Stab-Proof Vest. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

California

In California, civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Colorado

In Colorado, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Connecticut

Of all the states, Connecticut has the toughest law on body armor, prohibiting residents from buying or selling body armor except through a face-to-face sale. Online retailers cannot market and sell to Connecticut residents. In Connecticut, it is a class B misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both, to sell or deliver body armor unless the transferee meets in person with the transferor to accomplish the sale or delivery. This law exempts certain sales or deliveries.

Delaware

Delaware has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. This does not affect body armor retailers.

Florida

Florida has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. This does not affect body armor retailers. In Florida, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless they have been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Georgia

Georgia has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a violent crime or while trafficking drugs. This does not affect body armor retailers. In Georgia, civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless they have been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Hawaii

In Hawaii, all civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless they have been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Idaho

In Idaho, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Illinois

Illinois does not have any additional body armor laws pertaining to retailers. In Illinois, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. However, it is illegal for individuals to wear body armor while in possession of a dangerous weapon, other than a firearm, during the commission or attempted commission of any offense. Unlawful use of body armor is a Class A misdemeanor.

Indiana

In Indiana, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or in person. A person who knowingly or intentionally uses body armor while committing a felony commits unlawful use of body armor, which is a Class D felony.

Iowa

In Iowa, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Kansas

In the city of Topeka, Kansas, it is illegal to possess, carry, or wear a bulletproof vest during protests, parades, rallies, assemblies, and demonstrations. This statute does not affect retailers. In Kansas, civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or in person.

Kentucky

In Kentucky, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Louisiana

Louisiana has a law in place that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime or on school property. This does not affect body armor retailers. In Louisiana, any adult can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Maine

In Maine, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless they have been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Maryland

Maryland law mandates that all civilians with a prior conviction for a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime are prohibited from using, possessing, or purchasing bulletproof body armor without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Maryland State Police.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a law in place that makes it a felony to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. In Massachusetts, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless they have been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Michigan

In Michigan, any civilian of age can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless that civilian has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Minnesota

In Minnesota, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Mississippi

In Mississippi, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Missouri

In Missouri, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Montana

In Montana, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Nebraska

In Nebraska, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Nevada

In Nevada, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire has laws that make committing a crime while wearing a bulletproof vest a felony but does not have laws that prohibit retailers from selling bulletproof vests.

New Jersey

In New Jersey, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless they have been convicted of a felony. Additionally, in New Jersey, a civilian can be charged separately for wearing a bulletproof vest while carrying out criminal acts.

New Mexico

In New Mexico, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

New York

Effective July 6, when not being engaged or employed in an eligible profession, the purchase, taking possession of, sale, exchange, giving, or disposing of body armor is prohibited. New York has specific regulations related to this matter.

North Carolina

North Carolina has a law that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime, which does not affect body armor retailers. In North Carolina, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless that adult has been convicted of a felony.

North Dakota

In North Dakota, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Ohio

Ohio does not have any additional body armor laws. In Ohio, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma has a law that makes it a felony to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. This does not affect body armor retailers. In Oklahoma, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor unless they have been convicted of a felony.

Oregon

In Oregon, anyone can purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania does not have any additional body armor laws. In Pennsylvania, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor unless they have been convicted of a felony.

Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor and bulletproof vests unless they have been convicted of a felony.

South Carolina

South Carolina has a law that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. This does not affect body armor retailers. In South Carolina, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor unless he or she has been convicted of a felony.

South Dakota

In South Dakota, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Tennessee

Tennessee has a law that makes it illegal to wear body armor during the commission of a crime. The unlawful wearing of a vest is a Class E felony. This does not affect body armor retailers.

Texas

In Texas, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Utah

In Utah, civilians can purchase body armor legally and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

Vermont

Vermont does not have any additional body armor laws. In Vermont, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor unless that adult has been convicted of a felony.

Virginia

Virginia has one additional body armor law: Any person who, while committing a crime of violence or a felony violation, has in his possession a firearm or knife and is wearing body armor will be guilty of a Class 4 felony. This law does not affect retailers.

Washington State

In Washington, civilians can purchase body armor legally unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

West Virginia

In West Virginia, it is illegal for a civilian to wear body armor while committing a felony that involves force, the threat of force, or the use or presentation of a firearm or another deadly weapon. This does not affect body armor retailers.

Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest legally unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. Regulations state that donning a bulletproof vest during a felony can lead to an additional felony conviction.

Wyoming

In Wyoming, any civilian can purchase and use a bulletproof vest legally unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.

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